REVIEW: Bourbon Kings #2 & #3 by J.R. Ward

The Bradfords hold the upmost tier to high society and a bourbon empire; however, the apparent suicide of the family patriarch is starting to look more and more like murder…

No one is above suspicion—especially the eldest Bradford son, Edward. The bad blood between him and his father is known far and wide, and he is aware that he could be named a suspect. As the investigation into the death intensifies, he keeps himself busy at the bottom of a bottle—as well as with his former horse trainer’s daughter. Meanwhile, the family’s financial future lies in the perfectly manicured hands of a business rival, a woman who wants Edward all to herself.

A lot happened in Book 2, but I found the pacing and the whole drama of it all too much. Honestly, it was like being stuck in an a combination between a Dynasty and a Dallas episode. Who shot JR?--er, no what happened to William?

I don't love this family, the setting or the characters but I kept reading because I want to know what happened and IF anyone in this familly might have a happily ever after.

The audiobook was a HUGE disappointment. I really disliked the narrative performance and found the use of character voice inflection distracting and a bit silly.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

At first, the death of William Baldwine, the head of the Bradford family, was ruled a suicide. But then his eldest son and sworn enemy, Edward, came forward and confessed to what was, in fact, a murder. Now in police custody, Edward mourns not the disintegration of his family or his loss of freedom . . . but the woman he left behind.

Lane Baldwine was supposed to remain in his role of playboy, forever in his big brother Edward’s shadow. Instead he has become the new head of the family and the company. Convinced that Edward is covering for someone else, Lane and his true love, Lizzie King, go on the trail of a killer—only to discover a secret that is as devastating as it is game-changing.

As Lane rushes to discover the truth, and Sutton finds herself irresistibly drawn to Edward in spite of his circumstances, the lives of everyone at Easterly will never be the same again.

The final stretch! I was relieved to find out whodunnit but albeit surprised by the big reveal. I won't spoil it for those planning to read but it was a bit of a jolt. I'd figured out much of the other big reveal toward the end. It was nice to see Richard get the boot and for Gin to have an epiphany.  Lane and Edward were less interesting for me and I really felt that Max wasn't done justice with the storytelling.

Overall, it was just an 'okay' series for me. I prefer Ward's take on the supernatural to Kentucky bourbon.

Final rating: 3 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: Cowboy Take Me Away by Lorelei James

Cowboy Take Me Away is the final Rough Riders book. Balancing a narrative in the present and a retrospective of the past, the novel focuses on the romance and lives of Carson McKay and Carolyn West McKay.  Beginning with a sudden accident more than 50 years into their marriage, Carson reflects on their life together.

Readers finally get a view into how it all started.  Carson is a sexy cowboy with a bit of a wild streak.  From the moment he sees Carolyn, an innocent yet sexy blonde, from across the room, he knew he had to have her and that their lives would never be the same.  He's shocked to learn that she's a West, but he doesn't care about the long standing feud between their families.

Carolyn throws caution to the wind and embraces her growing relationship with Carson.  The more time they spend together, the more she discovers that he is far more than the handsome bad boy others would have her believe. While their life together is filled with ups and downs, it is a relationship built soundly on love and can prove that even lust can last the test of time.

This was a great way to end the series. Readers have only seen glimpses of Carolyn and Carson as they relate to their own grown children and grandchildren.  It is fitting to wrap up this epic and sexy series of the McKay's with their story.  Characteristic of James, reader's won't be disappointed with the erotic romps nor the character driven plot.  There are plenty of cameos from many other series favorites. As this era comes to an end, readers can get ready for a new spin off series, Rough Rider Legacy.

Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @loreleijames



#cowboytakemeaway #roughriders #erotic #romance #cowboys #family #loreleijames

REVIEW: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

This is my Book Riot Reading Challenge entry for an author from Southeast Asia. 

The first in a seris, Crazy Rich Asians tells the story of three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families and the scheming, backstabbing and gossip associated with them as one of their heirs and most eligible bachelors brings his ABC (American Born Chinese) girlfriend home to Singapore for the wedding of the year.

Nick Young thinks that Rachel Chu might be the one but love isn't that simple in his wealthy family.  He hasn't told her that he is heir apparent to a massive empire and his family is all but royalty in elite Singapore society.  Convinced that she is an unworthy gold-digger, Nick's family set about ruining their relationship.

This isn't a novel that would have been on my radar but it was delightful in its humor and thought provoking nature. The characterization is brilliant. The described opulence is staggering and I had no idea about the cultural clash between old money and new money. This should be a new reality show on BRAVO!  I'm pretty much hooked on these characters and need to read the follow up, China Rich Girfrield, to find out what happens with Rachel and Nick plus the score of other characters.

PS - the audiobook is fantastic!

Final rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Follow the author on Twitter: @kevinkwanbooks




#crazyrichasians #kevinkwan #drama #money #opulence #discrimination